7 Ways to Transform the Appletini into a Respectable Cocktail

The Appletini is less than fashionable, and for good reason. This ultrasweet drink, traditionally associated with sorority girls, bar newbies and Zach Braff’s character on Scrubs, is an undignified combination of vodka and saccharine-sweet apple liqueur. But, hard as this may be to believe, there are a ways to rejigger the drink to make it something worth sipping. Here, seven improbably delicious cocktails to make at home, all inspired by the Appletini.

1. ApplettaThis sage-and-lemon-spiked take on an apple martini swaps out vodka for herbal cachaça.

2. Gingered Apple SparklerCitrus vodka, apple liqueur and a splash of ginger beer come together in this spicy-sweet highball.

3. The Big Apple MartiniInstead of candy-sweet apple liqueur, this martini calls for applejack brandy and a touch of Calvados.